YEO Policy Books 2015 Policy Book - Page 52

Diversity and Equity Strategic Plan
Origin: City Council of Burlington, Vermont
Bill Name/Number: City of Burlington Diversity & Equity Strategic Plan
Link: Click here
Summary: Passed unanimously in 2014, the city council of Burlington, VT adopted a resolution to create a Diversity,
Equity, and Inclusion Committee to facilitate the development of a strate gic plan to eliminate race-based disparities
across all city departments, promote inclusion and engagement of all community members, and eliminate racebased disparities in the greater Burlington community.
Talking Points & Important Information:
• Having established that institutional racism and ethnic-based discrimination are issues to be eradicated in the
city of Burlington, the city council and mayor enacted this strategic plan to institutionalize inclusion, equity, and
justice for all.
• Research indicates that in both large-set and small group studies, racial and ethnocultural diversity are greatly
beneficial. Whether it be innovation-focused banks showcasing racial diversity as clearly related to enhanced
financial performance to neighborhoods and schools promoting critical, analytical skills through diverse
perspectives, inclusive communities make us better.
• In the past few years, there has been a profusion of articles enumerating the myriad benefits of diversity in the
workplace. From Forbes to The Entrepreneur, companies and advocates alike are singing the economic benefits
of workforce diversity.
• Whether public or private, it is important to enact meaningful measures of diversity and inclusion in all sectors.
These measures grow our economy because diversity in thought and demographics fosters innovation, drives
creativity, captures – and empowers – a greater share of the consumer market, and lessens turnover.
• Enshrining inclusion and equity combats the often false narratives around immigration and can focus on the
positive social and economic contributions immigration has consistently shown in the history of our country.
• For more examples of diversity and equity strategic plans, see here, here, and here. And for more on diversity
and equity initiatives in Burlington, click here.
2015 POLICY BOOK
LOCAL
LEVEL
PAGE 52